Schneider Weisse Mein Nelson Sauvin

Schneider Weisse Mein Nelson Sauvin comes from Kelheim, Germany. It's a weizenbock brewed by Weisses Bräuhaus G. Schneider & Sohn. This little gem comes in a 750mL bottle that looks a lot like it should house wine (in fact, the dude at the liquor store asked me if I wanted my wine in a separate bag). It contains a liver-quivering 7.3% alcohol. The bottle notes that this stuff can be cellared for later enjoyment", but regular readers will know that cellaring beers ain't my jam--I haven't got the patience for that nonsense.

This is a cloudy, sunny gold wheat beer that's vigorously carbonated and topped with a thick fog of white head. The aroma is fruity and gently tart. The mouthfeel is pretty silky for a well carbonated beer. The flavour is both mild and rich. It starts quite sweetly, though there is some hop evidence on display near the finish. The label told me to expect "pleasant and fresh grape-like fruitiness." There are some bashful grape notes as well as some breadiness and a smidgeon of banana.

All told, this was a lovely and unusual wheat beer. I found that there was some tartness on the nose that was lacking in the flavour. It's got ample alcohol content and comes in a large bottle. Definitely worth a try.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10. 

Weihenstephaner Vitus

Weihenstephaner Vitus is a weizenbock (wheat bock) that hails from Freising, Germany, where it's brewed by Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan. It's sold in 500mL bottles, and contains a laudable 7.7% alcohol. It pours a cloudy, yellow-orange colour, topped with a white head that just won't quit. It has a moderate amount of carbonation.

W.V. has a bready aroma that features a bit of citrus sourness. That aroma is well represented in the flavour, which is bready with orange and lemon notes. There are also some gentle spice notes that round out the flavour. The aftertaste has some bitter notes, coupled with continued yeastiness.

For a beer containing 7.7% alcohol, Vitus is extremely easy-drinking. The boozy taste is barely detectable, which makes this a dangerous brew for drinking more than one. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.